Imagine
being surrounded by centuries-old sugar plantations, volcanic mountain peaks
and vast stretches of sandy beaches in colors ranging from gold to volcanic
black, all part of an island bordered by the clear waters of the Caribbean
Sea on one side and Atlantic Ocean on the other. With its rich history,
lush rainforest, vibrant island culture and innumerable things to see and
do, St. Kitts provides numerous opportunities for adventure in a paradise
that’s just waiting to be discovered.
History
buffs will delight in the long, colorful heritage that remains an important
aspect of modern day St. Kitts. Over 200 heritage sites have been documented
on St. Kitts alone, which, at just 68 square miles, is more than anywhere
else in the world. First “discovered” in 1493 by Christopher Columbus, the
famous explorer was so enamored with the island that he named it after
himself and his patron saint, St. Christopher, later shortened to St.
Kitts. Some of the key historic points of interest include Romney Manor,
the imposing Brimstone Hill Fortress rising almost 800 feet above the sea
and Known as the “Gibraltar of the West Indies,” ancient Carib Indian
petroglyphs at Old Road Bay, various sites in the capital city of Basseterre
and the St. Kitts Scenic Railway, which is better known as the “Sugar
Train” and uses the same tracks originally built in 1912 to carry sugar
cane from more than 300 sugar cane estates to the mill in Basseterre in the
days when the sugar trade was the island’s primary industry. Many of these
old sugar estates have been converted into idyllic plantation inns, offering
some of the most elegant accommodations on St. Kitts.
Those
nature lovers among us will not want to miss the hike up the slope of
extinct volcano Mt. Liamuiga through a blanket of lush rainforest, which has
actually grown rather than shrank in recent years, that culminates in a stop
at the crater lake in the spectacular summit caldera. The dense foliage is
filled with bright, exotic flowering plants, succulent fruits and the song
of various species of exotic birds, the screeches of black-faced and green
vervet monkeys cavorting amidst the treetops and the occasional sightings of
mongoose, tropical butterflies and other elusive wildlife. There are also
jeep safaris and horseback rides through the forests, for those who prefer
not to make the journey on foot. Another site of unique natural beauty is
Black Rocks, a series of lava deposits left centuries ago on the island’s
northern coast that has magnificent high cliffs shaped by the crashing
waves. On a clear day, this natural wonder appears magical as the spray
from the water creates picturesque rainbows.
Both
experienced and novice divers who visit the island are in for a particular
treat, as the expansive undersea world of St. Kitts is only now being
discovered. In addition to plentiful coral reefs, shoals, hot water vents,
shallows, sloping canyons and swim-through caverns that are all home to
colorful marine life, these virgin waters are also revealing several hundred
pristine wrecks of galleons, frigates and freighters that dating back to the
17th century were sunk in naval battles and skirmishes. One recently
excavated dive site is located at White House Bay, where the wreck of a
1740s English troopship rests.
Many
guests to the island are primarily beachgoers, seeking to experience the
epitome of the laid-back Caribbean by relaxing in the sand. St. Kitts
offers an abundance of options for those who want to kick back on one of its
relatively unspoiled beaches, from stunning volcanic black sand beaches in
the North to golden and pristine white sand shores in the South. Many have
beach bars where light snacks and refreshing beverages are served during the
day, and at night, lobster bakes are a popular pastime.
The
island also features the opportunity for sport enthusiasts to indulge in a
wide variety of activities including watersports from jet skiing,
windsurfing and swimming to surfing, snorkeling and sailing. A favorite of
visitors is the catamaran sail, providing a wonderful view of the island
from the water. Other sports available in St. Kitts are golf, tennis, deep
sea sportfishing, horseback riding and four wheel drive expeditions.
In
addition to these distinctive attractions, St. Kitts can offer visitors a
wealth of more traditional activities that cruise passengers, who typically
have limited time to explore, particularly appreciate. Gamers will delight
in playing the slots or tables at the island’s sole casino while others
partake of various spa treatments at one of the growing numbers of hotels
offering on-site facilities. Traditional Caribbean fare at its finest can
be sampled at one of the island’s numerous gourmet dining establishments and
there is excellent shopping at stores offering items from locally-made
crafts to duty-free designer goods. Visitors may choose to experience these
attractions and activities on their own, or select from one of several
island tour options, through accredited taxi drivers or one of St. Kitts’
experienced tour operators.
Located in the northern Leeward Islands of the
Caribbean, St. Kitts offers a diverse tourism product developed from the
destination’s natural beauty, cultural heritage and rich history.
Originally populated by native tribes, the island was colonized by the
British in 1623 and now offers visitors a wide variety of vacation
activities as well as accommodations ranging from intimate plantation inns
to larger hotels or resorts. For more information about St. Kitts, please
contact the St. Kitts Tourism Authority at 1-800-582-6208, e-mail
info@stkittstourism.kn or visit the website at
www.stkitts-tourism.com.
TM
Imagine
being surrounded by centuries-old sugar plantations, volcanic mountain peaks
and vast stretches of sandy beaches in colors ranging from gold to volcanic
black, all part of an island bordered by the clear waters of the Caribbean
Sea on one side and Atlantic Ocean on the other. With its rich history,
lush rainforest, vibrant island culture and innumerable things to see and
do, St. Kitts provides numerous opportunities for adventure in a paradise
that’s just waiting to be discovered.
History
buffs will delight in the long, colorful heritage that remains an important
aspect of modern day St. Kitts. Over 200 heritage sites have been documented
on St. Kitts alone, which, at just 68 square miles, is more than anywhere
else in the world. First “discovered” in 1493 by Christopher Columbus, the
famous explorer was so enamored with the island that he named it after
himself and his patron saint, St. Christopher, later shortened to St.
Kitts. Some of the key historic points of interest include Romney Manor,
the imposing Brimstone Hill Fortress rising almost 800 feet above the sea
and Known as the “Gibraltar of the West Indies,” ancient Carib Indian
petroglyphs at Old Road Bay, various sites in the capital city of Basseterre
and the St. Kitts Scenic Railway, which is better known as the “Sugar
Train” and uses the same tracks originally built in 1912 to carry sugar
cane from more than 300 sugar cane estates to the mill in Basseterre in the
days when the sugar trade was the island’s primary industry. Many of these
old sugar estates have been converted into idyllic plantation inns, offering
some of the most elegant accommodations on St. Kitts.
Those
nature lovers among us will not want to miss the hike up the slope of
extinct volcano Mt. Liamuiga through a blanket of lush rainforest, which has
actually grown rather than shrank in recent years, that culminates in a stop
at the crater lake in the spectacular summit caldera. The dense foliage is
filled with bright, exotic flowering plants, succulent fruits and the song
of various species of exotic birds, the screeches of black-faced and green
vervet monkeys cavorting amidst the treetops and the occasional sightings of
mongoose, tropical butterflies and other elusive wildlife. There are also
jeep safaris and horseback rides through the forests, for those who prefer
not to make the journey on foot. Another site of unique natural beauty is
Black Rocks, a series of lava deposits left centuries ago on the island’s
northern coast that has magnificent high cliffs shaped by the crashing
waves. On a clear day, this natural wonder appears magical as the spray
from the water creates picturesque rainbows. 
Both
experienced and novice divers who visit the island are in for a particular
treat, as the expansive undersea world of St. Kitts is only now being
discovered. In addition to plentiful coral reefs, shoals, hot water vents,
shallows, sloping canyons and swim-through caverns that are all home to
colorful marine life, these virgin waters are also revealing several hundred
pristine wrecks of galleons, frigates and freighters that dating back to the
17th century were sunk in naval battles and skirmishes. One recently
excavated dive site is located at White House Bay, where the wreck of a
1740s English troopship rests.
Many
guests to the island are primarily beachgoers, seeking to experience the
epitome of the laid-back Caribbean by relaxing in the sand. St. Kitts
offers an abundance of options for those who want to kick back on one of its
relatively unspoiled beaches, from stunning volcanic black sand beaches in
the North to golden and pristine white sand shores in the South. Many have
beach bars where light snacks and refreshing beverages are served during the
day, and at night, lobster bakes are a popular pastime.
The
island also features the opportunity for sport enthusiasts to indulge in a
wide variety of activities including watersports from jet skiing,
windsurfing and swimming to surfing, snorkeling and sailing. A favorite of
visitors is the catamaran sail, providing a wonderful view of the island
from the water. Other sports available in St. Kitts are golf, tennis, deep
sea sportfishing, horseback riding and four wheel drive expeditions.
In
addition to these distinctive attractions, St. Kitts can offer visitors a
wealth of more traditional activities that cruise passengers, who typically
have limited time to explore, particularly appreciate. Gamers will delight
in playing the slots or tables at the island’s sole casino while others
partake of various spa treatments at one of the growing numbers of hotels
offering on-site facilities. Traditional Caribbean fare at its finest can
be sampled at one of the island’s numerous gourmet dining establishments and
there is excellent shopping at stores offering items from locally-made
crafts to duty-free designer goods. Visitors may choose to experience these
attractions and activities on their own, or select from one of several
island tour options, through accredited taxi drivers or one of St. Kitts’
experienced tour operators. 
Located in the northern Leeward Islands of the
Caribbean, St. Kitts offers a diverse tourism product developed from the
destination’s natural beauty, cultural heritage and rich history.
Originally populated by native tribes, the island was colonized by the
British in 1623 and now offers visitors a wide variety of vacation
activities as well as accommodations ranging from intimate plantation inns
to larger hotels or resorts. For more information about St. Kitts, please
contact the St. Kitts Tourism Authority at 1-800-582-6208, e-mail